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Hello newsletter readers,

As COVID-19 continues to spread at alarming rates around the country, we are hearing more and more about the flexibility of transit systems, and how they are adapting. On our COVID-19 Resource Center page, we have pulled together links to pandemic resources from all the major organizations (FTA, CDC, CTAA, APTA) actively supporting public transit. We are hearing more from systems as they try to adapt to constantly evolving conditions, from senior centers re-opening and providing transportation to their services, to systems that continue to stay fare-free, to how mobility managers are faring, especially with no COVID-related funding being carved out for Sect. 5310 programs. Let us know how this pandemic is affecting you by responding to our survey.

Looking for that elusive silver lining, we know that because services are running below normal levels, that this might provide a good opportunity to pursue information on future directions. For example, NCMM now has a robust calendar of webinars and other events from across our industry. NCMM's evaluator, Carol Kochhar-Bryant, will be presenting on performance measures in one of those events, the SWTA Summer University.

We're also busy putting together resources on how technology can be applied to mobility management. We've just published the tutorial video to go along with our new Technology for Mobility Management: A Framework for Moving Forward. And did you get a chance to read our blog on open source software? NCMM's technologist, Full Path LLC, does a great job for us with monthly technology updates, all available through our blog, Mobility Lines.

In terms of new products, the NCMM has released two new documents. The first focuses on the synthesis of mobility management and emergency management, with the other examining state mobility management networks. More information can be found below.

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Kirby Wilhelm

[email protected]

(202) 489-6020

In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the NCMM heard from several mobility managers around the country about the need to better respond in emergency scenarios. This led to the creation of NCMM's Integrating Emergency Management and Mobility Management report, which explores emergency management concepts, synergies with mobility management, and potential strategies for mobility management professionals looking to partner with emergency managers. The NCMM's staff researched and interviewed stakeholders from around the country to share five case studies of programs that showcase the promise of partnerships with emergency management.

NCMM is still seeking additional examples and case studies for the report, so please share your practice with Jerom Theunissen, NCMM Project Associate at [email protected].

NCMM's Statewide Mobility Management: Factors Affecting the Creation and Success of Networks study and report examines those characteristics that sustain state mobility management networks. Researchers interviewed leaders of established networks to learn about such factors as network origins, funding sources, career paths of mobility management professionals, and network typologies. This study is a follow-up to the original study documented in the 2018, Mobility Management: State of the States Report that identified general features of mobility management networks.

The webpage for the NCMM's technology typology for mobility management is now live. The goal is to give mobility managers a framework for understanding, comparing, and evaluating the value of the many different types of technology available in the community transportation sector. It is organized as an interactive matrix with columns covering the main technology areas of transit, with a click on each level showing an in-depth analysis of the scalability, accessibility and ease of implementation, among other criterion. An in-depth video explanation of how to use the framework is featured on the page.

The NCMM's One Call/One Click (OC/OC) Resource Center developed with Civic Sphere LLC, is live. Aspects of an OC/OC system - such as trip information, booking, and payment - are discussed at length. In-depth case studies of current OC/OC systems are provided as well.

Social isolation and loneliness are persistent societal problems, and lead to poorer population health outcomes, greater mortality, and greater health care spending. Older adults face unique risks related to social isolation and loneliness, largely because of the many major life transitions that they are likely to experience, including retirement, death of a spouse, death of other social contacts, and changing health and functional abilities. NCMM's new report, The Role of Transportation in Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults, looks at these issues and summarizes key findings, showcases program examples, and offers recommendations for programmatic, policy, and research interventions to use public transportation to prevent and reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults.

The Federal Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) has published its CCAM Federal Fund Braiding Guide. Federal fund braiding for local match, also referred to as Federal fund braiding, is when funds from one Federal program are used to meet the match requirements of another. Section 200.306(b) of Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, prohibits Federal fund braiding for local match "except where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs."

In total, 61 programs were examined out of the 130 Federal programs that may provide funding for human service transportation for people with disabilities, older adults, and/or individuals of low income. Based on the input from each participating agency, this guide defines Federal fund braiding for local match and program eligibility to enable Federal agencies and Federal grant recipients to more effectively manage Federal funds and coordinate human service transportation.

On July 23 from 1-2:30 p.m., MassMobility and the Moving Maine Network will host a peer learning webinar on inclusive transportation planning. Hear from three initiatives - two in Massachusetts and one in Maine - that are working to increase the role that older adults and people with disabilities play in planning and implementing community transportation services. Advanced registration recommended.

For public, private, and non-profit transportation and human services providers, city/county employees, and anyone interested in learning strategies to improve human services transportation, a new e-learning course will be available through the NADTC. The self-paced course will be broken into six modules, with a new one released weekly beginning Aug. 10. Registration ends Aug. 3. More information and registration can be found here.

Every Thursday at 10 a.m. EST, the TRB will be hosting a scholar virtually to share their high-quality research in this field. The series features a broad topic coverage from planning, behaviors to operations, and intends to engage audiences both within and beyond the transportation community. Thirty minutes of in-depth and inclusive discussions between the speaker and audiences will follow. To register and find out more information, visit the Emerging Mobility Systems and Services website.

Mobility Management News is the newsletter of the National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM), which is operated jointly by the Community Transportation Association, the American Public Transportation Association and Easter Seals under a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration.